I've often felt that ballet and 'lyrically beautiful dance' resemble waves in the ocean or currents of air. This is an ideal. Something that I've felt more recently is the human factor. When human warmth and beauty become a part of this idealized motion and grace then a much greater sensation, a living, loving dimension, adds immeasurably to the overall wonder.

As I view her on internet video, no one at the moment, illustrates this more beautifully than Olga Smirnova. The fact that she is only 20 years (?) old just adds yet another element -- extreme admiration.

Catherine posted at the Mariinsky forum…."So, Diana Vishneva noted one of the performances of Olga Smirnova from the Bolshoi Theatre. According to the prima's words, the young ballerina managed to reconcile the eternal debate between the Moscow and Vaganova schools, taking the best from them both."

There is an expansiveness to Olga Smirnova's motion and shaping, that you might call Moscow or Bolshoi, but there is also an 'ethereal' poetry to it, that you might call Vaganova or Mariinsky.

I like to compare her with the Mariinsky's young Oxana Skorik. Oxana Skorik, to me, seems slightly more refined or restrained in her essence, but not necessarily any more dreamlike. More Mariinsky, perhaps. Even her remarkable flexibility and powerful expression respect and highlight, rather than overwhelm, this refinement.

Both these outstanding young artists are immensely beautiful.

My observations are perhaps just a moment in time. Since they are both young and developing so rapidly, what is here today may possibly be different (and probably more beautiful) tomorrow.

Dear Cassandra, please don't avoid Olga Smirnova's performances.Although, in my opinion, she is being promoted TOO fast for as a young dancer at the Bolshoi (many roles, interviews, TV shows), but she is worth of being watched. I have seen her in solos, like Zul'ma, and in a leading role, like Aspiccia, and can assure you that she is a talented ballerina of unique personality. And this distincts her from the other dancer whom she was compared to in an earlier post.

And for completeness, the performance dates are:Swan Lake: 29, 30, 31 July and 1, 10, 14, 15 August at 7.30pm; 10 August 2pmLa Bayadère: 2, 3, August at 7.30pm; 3 August at 2pm The Sleeping Beauty: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 August at 7.30pmTriple Bill (Classical Symphony, The Rite of Spring, Diamonds): 12, 13 August at 7.30pmThe Flames of Paris: 16, 17 August at 7.30pm; 17 August at 2pm

As reported elsewhere, following the recent acid attack on Sergei Filin, The Bolshoi Ballet has postponed productioon of Wayne McGregor’s new production of "The Rite of Spring". Instead, the company will dance a new version by Tatiana Baganova, director of the Provincial Dances Theatre in Yekaterinberg. This will be the first time she has worked with the Bolshoi. Although not confirmed, it is likely Baganova's production will also replace the McGregor in London.

McGregor's new production was to have been screened live in cinemas worldwide on March 31. In the UK, this will be replaced by a recording of the Bolshoi in Esmeralda.

The Bolshoi’s festival celebrating The Rite of Spring, including performances of the Pina Bausch and Maurice Béjart productions by Tanztheater Wuppertaal and Ballet Bejart Lausanne, is still expected to go ahead

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